Does your diet need more beans? If you’ve been relying only on meat to supply your protein, mix it up by serving up a big bowl of beans. Beans come in all shapes, sizes and flavors, which means there’s a bean out there for everyone.

Kidney, black and pinto beans are fabulous in chili, which can be prepared meat-free for a lean dinner that's low in calories, high in fiber and filling.

Garbanzo beans (chickpeas) lend great flavor and texture to cold salads and hot soups alike and are the base for a favorite low-calorie dip – hummus.

Spice up your chicken and rice with a Caribbean jerk-seasoned black bean salad or add pizazz to your kabobs by serving them up with a side of hot curried lentils. Add an Asian flair to your party with steamed edamame beans (soybeans) lightly dusted with sea salt.

Any way you dish it up (unless we’re talking about refried beans, which are cooked with lard), beans are a figure-friendly food that you just can’t beat for a source of delicious, lean protein.